Beyond the well-known beaches such as Barceloneta, Llevant, and Mar Bella, lies a treasure trove of off-the-beaten-path adventures waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for a break from the crowds and want to experience something unique, then pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Barcelona’s hidden gems.
One of the best ways to enjoy Barcelona’s beaches is to ditch the crowds and head to the lesser-known spots such as Bogatell, Nova Icària, Sant Sebastià, and Somorrostro. These beaches offer a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, with fewer tourists and plenty of space to lay out your towel and soak up the sun. But if you’re looking for a more exhilarating experience, then why not try a banana boat ride or a sailing tour with paddle surfing? And for the ultimate adrenaline rush, a fly board experience in Barcelona is sure to get your heart racing.
So, join us as we take you on a journey to discover Barcelona beyond the beach, and uncover the city’s most exciting off-the-beaten-path adventures.
1. Barceloneta Beach
This beach is intrinsically tied to the fishing sector of the same name, Barceloneta, Barcelona’s iconic seaside neighborhood where locals enjoy eating fish and seafood meals and “tapas.”
This is one of Barcelona’s oldest and most popular beaches, located in the ancient fishing neighborhood. It is supposed to have inspired Miguel de Cervantes as the scene for Don Quixote’s combat with the Knight of the White Moon. The knight errant was eventually defeated and abandoned his quest here.
Services:
Bathrooms, accessible showers, a lifeguard, a volleyball court, a playground, lockers, beverage sellers, restaurants, an information station, Barcelona WiFi, bicycle rental, and beach umbrella and lounge chair rentals are all available.
Open:
July, August, and the first two weeks of September: daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekends and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in June and the second fortnight in September.
Transport:
Bus V17, V19, 47, 59, D20; Metro L4 (Barceloneta & Ciutadella)
2. Llevant Beach
This beach was formed as a result of the dismantling of the cement blocks of the Prim breakwater as part of the renovation of the Diagonal Mar area. Llevant has the fewest amenities and services because it is the newest. However, Barcelona’s youngest beach is frequently the most easygoing and quiet. The beach is easily accessible by car thanks to a large, open lot that also serves as a parking space.
Services:
Parking, handicapped-accessible restrooms and showers, a police station, a lifeguard, an information desk, Barcelona WiFi, a volleyball court, and beach umbrella and lounge chair rentals are all available.
Transport:
Bus H16, V29, V31; Metro L4 (Selva de Mar & El Maresme|Fòrum)
3. Mar Bella Beach
This portion of the shore already had baths, the Baos de la Mar Bella, around the turn of the twentieth century, but they were destroyed by a storm. Residents of the city regarded this stretch of beach with high respect at the time, but it fell on bad times in the middle of the last century. The coastal renovation operation that began with the 1992 Olympic Games brought back the beaches of Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella.
Services:
Parking, accessible restrooms, and showers, a lifeguard, a police station, an information center, Barcelona WiFi, a volleyball court, a basketball court, a playground, an exercise area, ping pong tables, a skate park, lockers, a beach library, beverage sellers, and beach umbrella and lounge chair rentals are all available. Area for nudists.
Transport:
Bus H16, V25, V27, V31; Metro L4 (Selva de Mar)
4. Bogatell Beach
Bogatell Beach gets its name from an old stream that used to run from Vilapicina’s uptown district along the boulevard of the same name all the way to the sea. Fishermen resided in Bogatell’s center, amid the stink originating from the municipal sewer that spilled into the sea here. The beach in Bogatell, like the rest of the Barcelona coastline, was totally renovated in the 1980s and is now one of the most popular. According to municipal surveys, the average age of Bogatell beachgoers is the oldest of any beach: 38. A sizable proportion (30%) are visitors to the city.
Services:
Bathrooms and showers that are accessible, a lifeguard, a police station, an information center, Barcelona WiFi, a volleyball court, an exercise area, ping pong tables, a basketball court, a playground, lockers, beverage vendors, and beach umbrella and lounge chair rentals are all available.
Transport:
Bus V25, V27, V31, H16, 59; Metro L4 (Poblenou & Llacuna)
5. Nova Icària Beach
Nova Icària Beach is rightfully regarded as a very tranquil beach, and it is a popular destination for families and groups of friends. It is located quite close to Port Olympic and is surrounded by a wide choice of restaurants and bars, as well as the most comprehensive assortment of sports and other activities on the entire coastline.
No-Smoking Beach
Smoking will be prohibited during the forthcoming bathing season, which runs from May 29 until September 12.
Open:
From June 12 to September 12: daily, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
6. Sant Sebastià Beach
The beach of Sant Sebastià is located near Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is the longest in Barcelona, at 1,100 meters. This is a sandy beach in the Ciutat Vella district’s Barceloneta neighborhood.
This beach was popular among the city’s aristocracy in the nineteenth century, and it was the first to allow men and women to swim together.
Alfredo Sanz, a sculptor, created a statue to honor swimming sports in 2004.
The further end of the beach gained a new and large structure, the hotel W Barcelona, in 2009. Ricardo Bofill designed it, and it has sparked some controversy by altering Barcelona’s skyline.
Services:
Bathrooms, accessible showers, a police station, a lifeguard, beverage, and ice cream vendors, an information desk, Barcelona WiFi, lounge chair, and beach umbrella rentals are all available.
7. Somorrostro beach
This beach, among other things, represents the recovery of historical memory on the city’s beachfront. This section of shoreline, together with a portion of Barceloneta Beach and the beaches currently known as Nova Icària and Bogatell, was once home to the Somorrostro shanty town, where some 15,000 people lived in extremely hazardous conditions.
Somorrostro Beach is accessible and enjoyable for everyone, with special consideration given to those with limited mobility: the beach has reserved parking areas from which it is easy to reach the dry beach, visual and tactile signage and information, adapted toilets, wooden walkways that reach the water as close as possible (though they will never touch the water, as its currents could detach the module), and adapted showers. Public transportation has also been modified to make it more accessible.
8. Nova Icària Beach
You can view Sagrada Familia, Torre Agbar, Tibidabo, and Montjuic from the lake! They will teach you the fundamentals of sailing in order for you to feel at ease on board. On a hot summer day, nothing beats feeling the sea breeze on your skin and driving a boat by yourself while making new friends from all over the world.
Services:
Parking, accessible bathrooms and showers, disability assistance, water fountains, lifeguard, police station, information center, volleyball area, playground, lockers, Barcelona WiFi, beverage sellers, and beach umbrella and lounge chair rental are all available.
9. Banana Boat Ride in Barcelona
Barcelona’s beaches are among the most popular in Europe for sunbathing and swimming. During this exciting and family-friendly trip, board a large inflatable Banana Boat for a full-speed ride along Barceloneta Beach while seeing the Barcelona skyline.
- Views of the Barcelona skyline from a gigantic inflatable banana on the sea
- Satisfy your demand for speed in a fun and safe environment
- Convenient central gathering spot in the Barceloneta area
10. Sailing Tour in Barcelona with Paddle Surfing
Views of Barcelona’s skyline from a gigantic inflatable banana on the ocean Satisfy your demand for speed in a fun and safe environment Convenient central gathering spot in the Barceloneta neighborhood.
Highlights:
- A wonderful way to unwind around the beaches of Barceloneta.
- In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, learn to paddle surf.
- Ideal for individuals who like to float around the coast on a sailboat and take in the scenery.
- To round out this experience, choose between a sunny afternoon and a pleasant evening.
- Great views of the city from the seaside and an opportunity to see some of the city’s most famous structures from a new angle.
Inclusions:
- 1h 30min Sailboat excursion along Barcelona’s coast for 12 people
- Each person receives a drink.
- Professional captain
- 1 paddle table with seating for 4 people
11. Flyboard Experience in Barcelona
An event that will push you out of your comfort zone and into a world of adventure! Enjoy this exhilarating flyboarding adventure while basking in the warm Barcelona sun!
Great views of the city from the seaside and an opportunity to see some of the city’s most famous structures from a new angle.
Highlights:
- Fly above the sea, bask in the sun, and imagine yourself as a superhero!
- A one-of-a-kind flyboarding experience that will take you 30 feet in the air!
- View the beautiful skyline of Barcelona from the Mediterranean Sea.
- This is not for the faint of heart; rather, it is for those who seek fascinating prospects at every step.
- A chance to record this exciting encounter on a rentable GoPro and share it with family and friends.
- You can spend 30 minutes or an hour learning how to use the keyboard.
12. Electric hydrofoil in Barcelona
eFoil, also known as Flipboard or Hydrofoil, is a new craze in water sports entertainment, and we’ve brought it to Barcelona for you to experience. To harness the power of flight, your Barcelona eFoil/hydrofoil board blends a stunning appearance with cutting-edge technology.
As an eFoil rider, you’ll experience floating over the sea on a power-driven surfboard. This must-do sport employs a lithium-ion battery to power a silent, zero-emission engine, allowing you to slice up the water without creating waves. You’ll be sure to grab the attention of many beach dwellers as you sail around Barceloneta Beach, and you’ll be in awe of Barcelona’s iconic monuments from your elevated position too!
Need to bring:
- Sun cream
- Towels & swimwear
Not allowed :
- Sunglasses are not authorized while riding eFoil/hydrofoil boards.
- Pregnant women should avoid renting an eFoil/hydrofoil board in Barcelona.
- Those with physical limitations may have difficulty gaining access.
Our Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Barcelona is a city that offers much more than just its stunning beaches. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods, there are endless opportunities for off-the-beaten-path adventures. From exploring the hidden corners of the Gothic Quarter to hiking the rugged terrain of Montserrat, there’s something for every type of adventurer.
So whether you’re a solo traveler, a family on vacation, or a couple looking for a unique getaway, Barcelona has plenty to offer beyond the beach. With so many hidden gems waiting to be discovered, it’s time to step off the tourist trail and immerse yourself in the authentic experiences that this incredible city has to offer. So grab your map, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery in one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
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